Coming off back-to-back district championships with multiple players from both title teams, the expectations for the Portland baseball team are as high as they have ever been.

The Raiders are entering the 2013 season with five three-year players and four returning for their second campaign, so experience is a strength for Portland.

Raider coach John Davids said although there is a great deal of excitement surrounding his team heading into the year, he is cautious about getting too excited to early.

"Our goals are set high this year, but we haven't done anything yet," he said. "We think we can compete for a league and district title and want to win a regional and play for a state championship.

"Our expectations are huge, but we need to stay healthy and stay away from bad situations."

The Raiders will be deep on the mound as Davids said he has 10 pitchers that he can go to. Led by junior left-hander Tanner Allison, who has garnered interest from a few Division I schools, and potential No. 2, junior Andrew Click.

Click will also as the other half of the Portland battery in the role of the Raiders starting catcher, and is a consistent hitter.

Senior Dylan Carroll gives the Raiders power at the plate and a long body at first base. He will also be part of the pitching rotation.

Portland also brings speed to the basepaths with senior shortstop Mason Haggard and junior Auston Brandt.

Davids said he is also expecting solid seasons from seniors Randy Gensterblum, Austen Livingston, Ricky Simon and Justin Goodman.

Heading into the season, the one hole that the Raiders will need to fill will be on the dirt with the graduation of infielders Matt Guidi and Zack Pung last spring.

Many of the players on the Portland squad were members of the Raider football team that won the Division 5 state championship last fall. Davids said the experience those players earned during that tournament run is also a plus for the baseball team.

"That was a wonderful experience for those guys," he said. "You always want guys that have been in high-pressure situations against high-level competition.

"That's one reason our kids have a lot of confidence coming into the season."

The Raiders will open the season on March 27 with a road doubleheader against Lansing Eastern.